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Planning Commission October 21, 2008 Pg. 3 <br /> Meeting Minutes <br /> There are two review processes for proposed development— Historical Commission <br /> (HC) and staff review. HC reviews proposed demolitions of contributing buildings, <br /> building conversions from single—family to duplex or multi-family, additions to duplexes <br /> and multi —family buildings which are over 150 square feet and visible, construction of <br /> any new duplexes or multi-family dwellings, construction of new rear yard infill, <br /> construction of any new commercial, church or institutional buildings, and review <br /> deviations from the standards. HC reviews the larger projects that would have a greater <br /> impact on the neighborhood. HC review requires notice to all property owners within <br /> 500 feet and posting of signs and a public hearing which provides an opportunity to <br /> comment <br /> City staff reviews single family additions, garages, and multiple-family additions under <br /> 150 square feet. Planning staff already review plans for consistency with zoning code <br /> requirements and the review for the historical overlay standards is coordinated with that <br /> review. No public notice is required for staff review. <br /> Staff received a number of inquiries regarding the financial impacts of overlay. Property <br /> values as shown in studies nationwide appreciate at the same or often a greater rate <br /> than properties outside overlay zones because of the maintenance and the quality of <br /> development. Ms. Meston also spoke to a number of insurance agents and they all <br /> confirmed that the overlay zone has no effect on home insurance rates. <br /> All public comments received after Wednesday last week have been provided to <br /> Planning Commission for their review. <br /> 6:58:54 PM <br /> Glenn Hunter, 2518 Baker Avenue, stated that on November 2006, three Riverside <br /> neighbors met with the Riverside Neighborhood Association and issued a letter to the <br /> Mayor's office requesting support of a Riverside Historic Overlay zone. The original <br /> proposal included the area south of Everett Avenue to California. The proposed revision <br /> ends the south boundary at Everett Avenue. Riverside is a tree-lined pedestrian friendly <br /> neighborhood. The advantages of a historic overlay zone is that the zone protects <br /> property investment and values, preserves and enhances neighborhood character, <br /> encourages compatible infill, promotes restoration and revitalization — pride in home <br /> ownership, discourages demolition of historic properties, and establishes a unique sense <br /> of community. <br /> Mr. Hunter presented historical information on some of the original Riverside <br /> neighborhood homeowners. Many of the homeowners were railroad workers, <br /> Weyerhaeuser Mill workers, Ferry Baker Mill workers, carpenters, and workers at <br /> Sumner Ironworks. There are 450 properties within the overlay boundary and 373 (83%) <br /> of those homes are considered contributing. So far, 100 original owners have been <br /> researched. He presented a petition signed by 80 residents in support of the overlay <br /> zone. <br /> 7:14:48 PM <br /> Steve Fox, 2510 Baker Avenue, presented slides of the streetscapes throughout the <br /> neighborhood which demonstrated open front yards, front porches, walkways, and no <br /> vehicles parked between the street and house—a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. <br />